It was a fantastic evening for Scottish football in the Europa League on Thursday. Rangers eased past Lincoln Red Imps, Aberdeen recorded an impressive win in Norway, while Motherwell were made to sweat before overcoming Coleraine on penalties after going 2-0 ahead.
It means four Scottish clubs will enter the third qualifying round of the Europa League, the draw taking place today ahead of another weekend of Scottish Premiership action with Rangers’ trip to Easter Road the standout match.
Scroll down and click through for all the latest from around the SPFL – be sure to return tomorrow for more of the same.
. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 05: A general view of Tynecastle Park during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Kilmarnock at Tynecastle Park on February 05, 2020, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Friday's Scottish football gossip column. Picture: SNS Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. McInnes' Sporting motivation
Derek McInnes revealed Aberdeen used the motivation of facing Sporting in the next round of the Europa League qualifiers as motivation to overcome Viking. Goals either side of the break saw the Dons record an impressive away win in Norway. (Various) Photo: Bill Murray - SNS Group
. Rangers' Roofe wait
Steven Gerrard faces an anxious wait over the extent of Kemar Roofe’s injury. The forward was withdrawn during the club’s thumping Europa League qualifier win over Lincoln Red Imps. Roofe had an issue with his calf and it will be assessed in the coming hours. (Various) Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
1. McInnes' Sporting motivation
Derek McInnes revealed Aberdeen used the motivation of facing Sporting in the next round of the Europa League qualifiers as motivation to overcome Viking. Goals either side of the break saw the Dons record an impressive away win in Norway. (Various) Photo: Bill Murray - SNS Group
2. Rangers' Roofe wait
Steven Gerrard faces an anxious wait over the extent of Kemar Roofe’s injury. The forward was withdrawn during the club’s thumping Europa League qualifier win over Lincoln Red Imps. Roofe had an issue with his calf and it will be assessed in the coming hours. (Various) Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
3. Stokes earns Holt praise
Anthony Stokes has earned praise from Livingston boss Gary Holt for the way he handled himself during his short period at the club. Holt revealed the player approached the club and admitted it wasn’t working, leaving without making a fuss. (Daily Record) Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
4. Neilson eyes left-back
Hearts have switched their focus to a new left-back following the signing of Mihai Popescu. Robbie Neilson is keen to add in the area following Aaron Hickey’s departure to Serie A side Bologna. (Evening News) Photo: SNS Group